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According to the 2005 census, Christians accounted for 9 percent of the total population of the United Arab Emirates; estimates in 2010 suggested a figure of 12.6%.[1]
The government recognises various Christian denominations.[2] Christians are free to worship and wear religious clothing, if applicable. The country has Catholic, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox along with Protestant churches.[3] Although Christian women can marry Muslim men freely, marriage between Muslim women and non-Muslim men is forbidden.[4]
The importation and sale of religious material is allowed; however, attempts to spread Christianity among Muslims are not permitted. Customs authorities review the content of imported religious materials and will occasionally confiscate some of them.[1] Conversion from Islam is discouraged.[1] In spite of this, a 2015 study estimated some 200 believers in Christ from a Muslim background, though not all of those are necessarily citizens of the UAE.[5]
Christmas items are sold in the country and noted in the media; in 2022 the UAE President and Vice President wished everyone a Merry Christmas on social media.[1]
- ^ a b c d US State Dept 2022 report
- ^ "2008 report on United Arab Emirates". 2001-2009.state.gov. 19 September 2008. Retrieved 2012-02-23.
- ^ "Global Security website, United Arab Emirates-Religion".
- ^ "Marriage - The Official Portal of the UAE Government". government.ae. Retrieved 2019-02-02.
- ^ Johnstone, Patrick; Miller, Duane Alexander (2015). "Believers in Christ from a Muslim Background: A Global Census". IJRR. 11: 17. Retrieved 20 November 2015.